No Aircraft Problems found in FDR - Pilot Error only Remaining Root Causal factor
It seems that the gents in Milan were able to get the DCA and others to process the FDR data very quickly as they have now informed customers of the following :
There are two main points:
1.) They were doing training flight (cat A OEI procedures)
2.)It is confirmed that the accident had nothing to do with the tail rotor.
Further FDR data analysis has already confirmed that there was no mechanical failure. *
**DCA has not grounded the fleet and Weststar, after a precautionary stop, is now resuming flights with no limitations.
If this deduction of it having to be only pilot error that caused this mishap, one unique scenario has developed and - though highly presumptuous, is worthy of some thought:
At least 1 Instructor PIlot is an ex-RMAF Black Hawk pilot, is it possible that (if he was indeed the PIC conducting the training on this flight) he momentarily had a lapse in awareness and reverted to his Black Hawk procedures where the extreme aft-tail tailwheel arrangement is used as THE primary landing point and even a pivot point for arresting descent rate in the final 25-50 feet of descent and touchdown ? This could explain how such an extreme nose up attitude could have been allowed so late in the OEI approach.
Only the operator would know who was the PIC for this flight and if he is an ex-BH pilot but maybe this could explain it. . . but not excuse it.